The purpose of a bumper is to absorb much of the impact from lower speed collisions to take some of the force away from you and the rest of the vehicle. 

And because your bumper is the first line of defense in an accident, they are of course prone to suffering plenty of damage. But when do you need to replace your bumper and when can it simply be repaired? 

When You Need to Replace Your Bumper

There are a few cases in which it’s usually recommended to replace your bumper rather than attempting to repair it. 

Minor cracks in the bumper can often be repaired with epoxy. But more severe cracks can jeopardize the structural integrity of the bumper which can in turn limit your protection in a crash and are best to be replaced. 

Chipped paint and scratches can also be repaired, but the process can involve sanding down the damaged area, filling it with a compound and repainting. A bumper with extensive paint damage may be easier (and cheaper) to just replace. 

Another time when it’s best to replace rather than repair is when there is damage to the bumper hooks. The hooks keep the bumper attached to the vehicle and typically cannot be repaired. 

When You Can Repair Your Bumper

Bumpers that suffer only small cracks or minor paint chips and shallow scratches can often be repaired. Likewise, bumpers that are dented or bent can also typically be repaired. 

The best way to determine whether your bumper can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced is by submitting some photos of the damage to the team at W&L Collision Center to request an estimate. We’ll let you know if your bumper can be repaired and if it can, our bumper repair services will get you back on the road in no time. 

And if your bumper needs to be replaced, we’ll order the necessary parts and complete the installation with minimal waiting time. 

Whether it’s a repair or a replacement, W&L Subaru Collision Center can take care of all your vehicle bumper needs and send you on your way as good as new. Visit or contact us today.